49ers’ defensive strategy revealed

In interviews on the KNBR pregame show, the team revealed their strategy against the New England Patriots. General manager Trent Baalke said the best way to counter quarterback Tom Brady is to rush four, occasionally five. That’s a good approach seeing that Brady has thrown 15 touchdowns and no interceptions this year against the blitz.

Meanwhile, safety Donte Whitner said the 49ers’ secondary will try to hold their coverage until after Brady gets the snap. That way, Brady will have to read the defense when he has the ball and not before. Whitner said that shifting after the snap will take some discipline and patience.

Also, Whitner said the 49ers will have a six- to seven-man box against the Patriots for most of the night. They will only bring a safety down in run support unless it’s an fairly obvious run formation.

I will blog about twice a quarter and send frequent tweets @klynch49. Eric Branch will be tweeting from the game at Eric_Branch. Enjoy the game — I know I will.